10-year-old boy shot in hunting accident

A 10-year-old boy was in a serious condition in Rotorua Hospital this morning after being shot with a high-powered rifle while pig hunting.

Emergency services were called to Waikite Valley, 20km South of Rotorua, about 9.30am.

The Rotorua-based Tenon Rescue Helicopter, carrying St John's paramedics, battled bad weather to fly the Reporoa boy to hospital from a farm house about 1km west of the Waikite Valley Pools, helicopter spokesman Barry Vincent said in a statement.

- NZPA